FRND CRCL – JRSY FRSH

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The fourth studio album from pop-punk band, FRND CRCL, called JRSY FRSH is a solid mix of nostalgia paired with some creative takes on the genre to keep it from feeling like a retread. The South Jersey band pays tribute to the area that they’re from, while still expanding upon what made their previous record (Suburban Dictionary) so charming and infectious. With a fresh sounding mix of eight new pop-punk tunes that clock in just under the 30-minute mark, JRSY FRSH will likely be a consistent part of everyone’s summer music rotation.

The record kicks off on the right foot with one of the four singles to be released from the set prior to the street date of the LP, in “Shut Up.” The song opens with a steady beat and a confident swagger in the vocals to make for a memorable single that fits perfectly well for this time of the year. “Late Nites” recalls the trials and tribulations of being out too late with your friends instead of spending time with your significant other, and the consequences that come from that situation. The track is well-balanced with a punk vocal sneer in the verses before accelerating into a pop-pleasing chorus that really shimmers.

”Nice Guy” finds vocalist Zac Johnson pondering if he’s taking the right path in the relationship by being the bigger person and staying on track, while FRND CRCL adds some variety to the set with the excellent song of “Haunted Houses.” The track is pure pop-punk perfection, and the dual vocal attack of Zac Johnson and drummer Aaron Smith mesh well with each other’s vocal styles, and it ended up being one of my favorite songs on the record.

”Dream Guest” sets the stage of having that perfect person in your life, or even a podcast, and the band takes it all in stride with a slick-sounding track that features a great guitar solo as well. The tongue-in-cheek title of “Ben Dover” showcases the playful side of FRND CRCL, who never take themselves too seriously on this record that is brimming with great songs meant to be the soundtrack of your summer. “Ghosted” adds in some atmospheric elements to the set with some cool guitar effects put on the initial riff, while the more somber vocals in the verses help get the right tone from the lyrics. The song explodes into a stellar chorus that recalls bands like Blink-182 and Sum 41, who know how to get the right emotions behind their choruses.

”FRVR” closes out this latest chapter in FRND CRCL’s artistic development that continues to get better. JRSY FRSH doesn’t cover a ton of new ground in the pop-punk genre, but it does offer great vibes and repeat value on subsequent spins of the record. This band makes pop-punk look effortless, and I look forward to seeing how they use the positive momentum from this release to further expand upon their sound.

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